Reviews

2018 Dodge Grand Caravan Introduction

The current, fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan has been around since the 2008 model year, freshened for 2011, with Stow ‘n’ Go seats improved for 2013. For the 2018 model year, little has changed.

Threatened with extinction, especially after Chrysler launched its far more modern Pacifica minivan for 2017, the Grand Caravan continues to hang onto a tradition-minded corner of the minivan market. While undeniably an old-timer, first launched for 1984, the minivan is helped by a strong V6 engine, spacious interior, and versatile Stow ‘n Go seating.

Beneath its stubby hood, the familiar 3.6-liter V6 engine develops 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available.

Minivans are well-known for their flexibility, and the Grand Caravan is no exception. In addition to standard seven-passenger seating, it provides an appealing array of storage possibilities.

Weighed against its strong points are a couple of notable demerits. Interior materials, for one, look and feel cheap compared to more contemporary minivans. More important, safety testing has yielded some troubling results. Advanced safety technology is in short supply, too. Safety is typically a prominent selling point for family-focused buyers, and the Grand Caravan falls well short of the competition.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2017 Grand Caravan a four-star overall score, with four stars for frontal impact and five stars in the side-impact test. In crash-testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Grand Caravan earned Good scores in each test except one. The small-overlap frontal crash yielded a Poor rating.

Seven airbags and a rearview camera are standard, but not much more in terms of safety. Such advanced features as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warnings are not available at all. A Safety Sphere group includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection, as well as rear parking assist, but it’s optional only on the GT trim level.

Grand Caravan continues to be popular, based on familiarity, pricing and the deal. Grand Caravan offers a lot of utility, but it’s a dated product, and the Chrysler Pacifica, launched as a 2017 model, is a far more appealing choice.

* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee, up to $115, may be added to the price of the vehicle.

* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.

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